Facebook CEO, Mark Zuckerberg has surprised fans with his revelation that he will take two months off work on paternity leave when his daughter is born.
Mark Zuckerberg and his wife
Mark Zuckerberg made the revelation on Friday. He said he will take two months of paternity leave after his daughter's birth, though he did not say when she is due.
The 31-year-old, did not also say who would be running the company while he is out. Facebook as well did not immediately respond to an inquiry.
It will be recalled that Zuckerberg announced in July that he and his wife, Priscilla Chan, were expecting a baby girl.
Talking about his move, Zuckerberg wrote on his Facebook page, along with a picture of a stroller, a yellow baby carrier and his dog, Beast; "This is a very personal decision. Studies show that when working parents take time to be with their newborns, outcomes are better for the children and families."
While it's unclear who will run the company in Zuckerberg's absence, it is likely that chief operating officer, Sheryl Sandberg, who oversees all of Facebook's advertising, will assume leadership. Zuckerberg largely oversees products, but will likely rely on chief product officer, Chris Cox while he is out.
Zuckerberg's decision is still unusual among high-level tech executives and is sure to send a message about parental leave policies and work-life balance.
Zuckerberg's post generated more than 50,000 'likes' in one hour and nearly 3,000 comments. Many of the comments lauded his decision and said it sent a positive message about U.S. parental leave policies.